ancel the board meeting. Yes, the one tomorrow. No announcements, no explanations-just make it happen." The executive assistant on the o

her previous life, it had been the stage where Cedric and Marianne had tightened their grip on her father's empire, publicly questioning her competence and sidelining her influence. By cancel

Call me. She ignored them, slipping the phone into her purse and striding out of the building. The city pulsed around her, unaware of the storm she

*

cting the "abrupt cancellation" of Varnholt Enterprises' critical board meeting. Eleanor sat at a quiet café, sipping an espresso a

eanor, what the hell is wrong with you?" she demanded, stopping at the table, her voice low but dripping with venom. "Canceling the board meeting? Do you realize how

Marianne. I'm just... reprioritizing." Her voice was smooth, each syllable laced with quiet con

ing to a practiced softness, the one she'd used for years to manipulate. "You've always bee

er dying body, her smile cold and triumphant. That betrayal fueled her now, s

being the convenient stepping stone for you and Cedric.

ng through her facade. She recovered quickly, forcing a tight smile. "Ellie, let's

d, her tailored coat and sharp heels giving her an air of unshakable authori

himing softly behind her. The confrontation had been a gamble, but it felt like a triumph. She'd sile

d, pulling her back to the gala from a year ago-the

*

chosen to match Cedric's tie, her smile warm as she greeted guests. The Varnholt Foundation's gala was her pride, a showcase of h

murmurs cutting deeper: "She's sweet, but not leadership material." "Cedric's the one holding it together." Marianne had been there, radiant at Cedric's side, steering allies away from Eleanor wi

*

d been the first blow, but the board meeting had been the trap that crushed her. In her previous life, she'd walked into it blindly

move. The financial files she'd copied from Cedric's server were a weapon, but she needed the perfect moment to wield them. And Julian Ka

dric and Marianne to react, to slip up. She'd watch, wait, and strike when the

aned back, her face calm but her eyes burning with purp

contin